54 



THE FIREMAN. 



As I stood at midnight thinking, 



All the stars were faintly blinking, 



And the glaring lights of London shone around me far and 

 wide; 



And the murmur of the city. 



Filled my soul with awe and pity, 



Sounding like some mighty ocean with a sad and troubled 

 tide. 



Then a noise like distant thunder 



Brought an agitated wonder. 

 As the music of the gallop loudly fell upon mine ear ; 



And the firemen shouted madly 



At the crowd that opened gladly. 

 While the horses full of mettle answered gamely to the cheer* 



Then I saw the engine swinging, 



Heard the bells and harness ringing, 



Forward, forward at a gallop, life and honour are at stake ; 



Heard the cry of fire repeated. 



Watched the driver firmly seated, 



Saw a fireman tall and handsome with his hand upon the 

 break. 



